Purdue leads America Saves Week in Indiana

February 26, 2013

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University has launched
online and social media outlets that provide customized feedback to help users
eradicate debt, save for a goal or just use their money more wisely.

The thrifty thrust originated from a Purdue Extension
specialist in the Department of Consumer Science and corresponds with America
Saves Week (Feb 25-29), a nonprofit effort that encourages and equips Americans
to improve their monetary savings, which rates among the worst in the world.

"In an era in which the economy and the job market
are tight, a lack of savings can quickly devastate an individual or
family," said David Evans, coordinator for the Indiana Saves project at
Purdue. "Inflation or job loss is even more damaging to the
all-too-typical consumer who is already buried under thousands of dollars of
often high-interest debt."

Visitors to the Indiana Saves website, at
http://www.indianasaves.org, can register for a free monthly newsletter filled
with savings advice. Electronic pep talks are also distributed on a monthly
basis through the America Saves E-Wealth Coach Series. Site users can state
their desired goals, such as "Eliminate $12,000 in consumer debt,"
"Save $500,000 for retirement" or "Be able to afford groceries
on a weekly basis." That input can help customize the feedback users
receive. Every enrolled participant receives a personalized email from a local
educator who can point them to classes and seminars being offered in their
community.

Evans, an Accredited Financial Counselor who develops
curriculum distributed through Purdue's 92 Indiana Extension offices, has also
launched a Facebook page, "Purdue Money Makers All," that gives
regular financial advice to "friends." Those who follow the related
#moneymakersall on Twitter can get up to three tips per day delivered to their
mobile device.